A/N: I want to thank those who were patient! I know it's been about a month since I last updated but the college semester is winding down and you know how all the teachers love to throw 7 page papers at you all at the same time. Just a few important notes...

If anytime during any chapter in this book, the words cut off or chapter oddly ends in the middle of the sentence; delete the book from your library, and re-add it.

Also, if this chapter isn't the best, I apologize. It's been a minute since I've wrote anything!

- - - -

Liam Luciano and Federico De Santis were nowhere to be found.

And that scared me.

The large house was eerie silent the next morning when I roll out of bed. My eyes can't help but drift to the portion of the bed where Liam had laid his head, just hours before; but now, the place where his body used to lay, was replaced with wrinkled sheets.

The room appeared cleaner then I had ever seen it before; normally the clothes Liam had scattered around the room while he changed, were nowhere to be found. The bathroom was pristine; no unnecessary water droplets on the granite counter, or toothpaste globs in the sink. Even the tiny baby hairs that I had become used to seeing every morning when Luciano shaved were nowhere to be found. I took advantage of the cleanliness and rushed through my morning routine swiftly, before heading out and searching for any signs of life.

I search Melanie and Michael's master bedroom first. It was huge, bigger than Liam's. It supported a balcony with two white, French doors. The bed had a white canopy over top and the beautiful designed duvet that rested peacefully over the top of their California queen sized bed look more expensive than most of the clothes I owned. Frame photos hung from a few places around the room in a decorative manner and their dresser drawers all stayed perfectly closed. The bedroom was dead quiet.

Next came Rico's guestroom; the one that Liam had thrown Federico in once we had thoroughly searched his run-down, temporary apartment. I treaded into the room carefully, but I had only taken two or three steps inside when I stopped. Slowly I turned left, then right; only relaxing slightly when I saw no sign of life. I kept my guard up, my walls high, as I back up, slowly and cautiously. There was no way I could admit this out loud, but I was 85 percent certain that Rico had bugged, hotwired, and placed explosives somewhere in that room.

It was obvious my distrust in Rico was beginning to bother Liam. He had subtly mentioned it last night, as we crawled in bed and kept our distance. And even though I've lied to Liam, telling him, "I do trust him, don't worry." I didn't, nor could I. Federico was a charmer, a professional actor, and a cold-blooded, partially emotionless, semi-psychotic murderer. I couldn't bring myself to put trust in that. But I try; I try and communicate with him in a civilized manner when he was around; but that didn't stop me from glancing at him longer than usual, making sure he made no sudden moves. That didn't stop me from feeling tense and anxious whenever he was around, knowing somewhere under his clothing he was storing a switchblade, a gun, and a number of other dangerous weapons.

We could even stop and make the argument that if I was afraid of Rico, I should be afraid of Liam to; but I wasn't. Although Liam and I's relationship didn't sky rocket at first, it had leveled out now. He had apologized for his previous behavior and since his apologies; he had yet to lay a hand on me. I trusted Liam, just not his friend.

I could tell I was getting rather desperate in my search when I stepped into Rosie's room, quietly hoping and praying that the bubbly, little girl would be sitting on her bed coloring. Obviously, she wasn't there. So I end up leaving and heading down the steps, feeling awfully alone.

Within a span of fifteen minutes, I made myself a bowl of cheerios and found myself sitting in the living room, the television on mute. Carol Costello, an anchor from CNN, was up on the screen, talking about ISIS. My bowl of cheerios sat on my lap, layered with the extra honey that I poured on.

For just a few moments, I sat on the edge of the sofa, concerned and nervous. I was possibly even paranoid. I kept shooting glances over my left and right shoulder, then back again. Occasionally, I would even pick the spoon up and eye the reflection in the silver, checking my surroundings behind me. When I finally dubbed the room safe, I continued to eat.

"Lonely?"

My bowl of cold cereal dropped to the floor at my surprise. I didn't need to turn around to know what demon the voice belonged to. Inhaling and exhaling for a moment or two, was all I did, regaining all lost composure. I watch, silently, as the milk seeps into the decorative carpet on the floor. It was only then, after I picked up what was left of my breakfast - sitting in on the coffee table - did I turn around.

It was Michael Luciano.

He stood at the entrance of the living room with a wicked smile on his face. He wore a pair of jeans two sizes too big and a baggy, grey shirt. If I hadn't seen his face or his complexion, I would've assumed it was Kanye. But Michael's appearance wasn't the only thing I noted; he had no crutches.

Clearly my throat, I dodge his one word question and point to him, "No crutches?" His mysterious smile grows bigger and quietly, he manages to make it to a plush chair next to the sofa, before plopping down and exhaling deeply. The pain was evident across his face and even now, a week or so later, the gunshot wounds that Federico had inflicted were still causing Michael an immense amount of pain.

"No," Michael groans, adjusting his positon in the seat before sighing, relieved this time. His eyebrows disconnect and the growing wrinkle lines on his forehead disappear. "I've never been one to follow instructions," his underlying tone causes me to shiver; our eyes lock, meeting, and he smiles again, harder this time.

Engaging in a conversation with a man I knew didn't care for me, was not on my bucket list. I clap my hands together happily, preparing myself to stand up to leave. "Welp!" I say with fake enthusiasm, "It was great chatting with you, but I have things to do, people to see - "

"You don't talk to me," Mr. Luciano's voice came out soft-spoken, causing me to do a double take in his direction. His eyes were pleading for my attention as he leans forward in his seat, eyes wide. The tone in his voice is what caused me to stop; he didn't sound threatening or demanding, but normal. I clear my throat after our awkward moment of silence and staring, before speaking.

"We don't have much to talk about, - " I hesitated, my filter shot itself in front of my mouth, causing the name I was going to call Michael, to stay in the back of my head. His eyebrows raised as my mind searched through another variety of names I could call him: murderer, backstabbing douchebag, failure, fucker, heartless son of a -

"No," Michael's hardening tone tears me away from my thoughts. He runs a hand across his facial hair, a stern expression crossing his face. "We don't have much to talk about. I guess you're right." I nod, forcing a smile, before standing up and assuming our conversation was over.

Michael leans back on his seat, stretching his arms out on either side of him. I could feel him watching me as I stood up and grabbed my empty bowl of cereal. He watched me bend down, retrieving a few cheerios off the ground and he was still watching me as I stood up and turned to leave. But he timed his words perfectly; he took control of the entire situation by timing his comment. I was hooked to what he had to say the moment he said it.

"Killing your father and your sister was easy - "

I stop dead in my tracks.

" - Killing you and your mother, well, that seems to be a bit harder."

His words were harsh and like a knife, they pierced my heart. My chest hurt at his words and my eyes grew blurry at the oncoming of tears. I found myself grinding my teeth together before I even turned around to face Michael. When I did whirl around, a gasp left my lips. He had ditched the seat he was in, now standing in front of me. Most of his weight was put on his un-injured leg.

For just a second, I felt intimidated. Despite Michael being hunched over just an inch as he treated his hurt leg carefully, he still hovered over me by a good few inches. His expression had changed; the smile he had once held was long gone, replaced with a disapproving scowl. I swallowed, hard.

"You're pathetic," I spit.

"No," I went to let out a gasp, a cry for help even, but Michael grabbed at my jaw, securing it in his large hand. He twists my head at an odd angle, before leaning down. His face was much too close for comfort, but there was nothing I could do. He laughs harshly, "You, you're pathetic, Faith. You're out here, falling in love with my son; trusting people, you have no right to trust; and disrespecting people I love. All, all you're doing, is giving me more reasons to want to kill you-" And then I was thrown; thrown backwards.

The exposed skin on my arm that dragged against the hardwood burned. The tears that had been building up, spilled out the corners of my eye; not only in anger, but hurt - physical hurt. My shoulder ached as I went skidding into the doorframe. Pain shot out from the lower portion of my back, causing me to cry out. That causes more tears. But when I tried to stand up and the same, intense, hurting feeling rippled through my shoulder, the tears started flowing even harder.

It was clear from early on, Michael Luciano didn't give a shit. The more I cried, the longer my face was contorted in a pained expressed, the happier he seemed to become. He stood there, looming over my body like a freak of nature. For the longest time, he just stood there, arms folded, watching me. I hadn't moved; I had expected him to just walk away and leave me there in pain, but he didn't.

I didn't stay on the cold ground, hoping he would drop to his knees in pity; but simply because I knew if I got up, he would push me back down again.

I bit my lip, keeping it from shaking as Michael bends down to my level. He squats, letting out a few profanities in the process. I could see his eyes glancing between me and something above my head; possibly the front door. When he felt certain nobody was about to walk through, he leans further down.

"The car accident you and your family was in, it didn't exactly go down the way you and many others believe it did," He started off, his voice a mere whisper. In a way, I wanted to hear this; just not here, not now. Michael sighs, "The wheels of your father's car, they were shot out; causing him to lose control, jerk the wheel, and bam-" I jump from my position on the floor, the pain pushing itself to the back of my mind. I scramble to my knees and fall back against the wall, eyes wide. The clap Michael had produced echoed throughout the stillness of the room for the longest minute and a half, before he continued, " - car accident," He laughs.

"You shot our tires?" It was whisper that was more of a thought, but came out as a question that was directed more-so to Michael. The corners of his thin lips pull into a smile as he laughs.

"No, oh no, Faith; I didn't shoot your tires," He pats himself on the chest, "You see, I'm mainly good with intimidation and making people work for me. I have connections and those connections, know professionals. So I mean, if you want to talk technicalities," Michael throws his hands up, "I didn't kill your parents at all."

My voice rose as I leaned forward, "I don't care who helped you do anything, Michael. You are responsible for killing my father, Ellie, and attempting to murder my mother and I and as long as I breathe, I will - "

"You'll what, Faith? Hm?" Mr. Luciano laughs, his eyes searching mine in the process, "Your threats are irrelevant. You cannot do anything to me."

" - I will make Liam kill you."

Michael pouts, "That. Is. Adorable."

I could feel my anger mounting; not just at Michael's words and actions, but at his mannerisms. His pout was teasing, his tone on the verge of annoyance. I grasped at the cloth of my sweatpants, closed my eyes, and let out an annoyed scream. My face was warm when I reopened my eyes and it only heated up more when I saw Michael looking at me in a giddy manner.

"Liam won't kill me," He says after a second of silence, "He says he will; he threatens to, and sometimes he even comes rather close, but he won't. Because deep down, Liam Elijah has a heart," Michael shakes his head, "It saddens me to say this, but Liam will allow emotion to compromise him; he won't kill me, simply because I'm his father." My jaw locks as I stare Michael down. He simply smiles before standing up and straightening his already wrinkled clothing. "Now," He sighs in content, "Good ta - "

"Rico will kill you."

I watch him laugh softly, yet reflectively. His gaze spans out somewhere in the room, but he nods, agreeing with my statement. He twists and turns his lips as he tilts his head in the air, still thinking, analyzing my short statement. Then he turns to me, still nodding. "Yes. Fantasma would kill his own mother if he had to, yes." I watch Michael, the way he nods, smiles softly as he thinks about what I told him. "Hardly shows emotion, professionally trained in every aspect of self-defense, he could take a gun apart and put it back together like a rubix cube..." A hint of admiration flashes across Michael's face as he turns to me, "I would say he could kill you too, Faith; but he's already tried."

Wait wha -

I had reached out to Michael Luciano had he turned away from me, beginning to make his grand exit out the living room. Just a few seconds ago, I would've given an arm and a leg for him to leave, but not anymore. My hand latches around the cuff of his pants, causing him to turn around and look down on me, superior. I frown, my heart racing.

All I gave Michael was a look; a look that asked the only question on my mind.

What do you mean?

Both of our heads whip to the sound of a key jingling in the lock of the front door. Michael turns back to me, knowing our time had nearly run out.

"My help?" Michael questions rhetorically, "The so-called professional, that helped me with the murder of your father and sister, was 15 years old at the time of the accident - "

My grasp loosens from around his ankle.

" - you aren't stupid, Faith; do the math."

I could feel my heart rate increasing and it felt as though the world was beginning to spin. Air was becoming harder to inhale and the temperature in the room had skyrocketed about 90 more degrees.

But Michael wasn't done.

" - oh, but just a hint," He teases, "It wasn't Liam."

Cue the flashbacks. Some were slow moving pictures, whereas others were freeze frame worthy. My mind replayed the moment Federico De Santis opened the door of his rundown apartment and welcomed me in, quoting Olaf at the same time. Next came the still shot of Rico shoving a gun down the woman's throat, as she sat there, bounded by tape in the middle of his apartment floor. Then, came the delayed sound of the gunshot. Another still shot floated through my mind; as Liam and I exited out the side door of Ryan Costello's party, into the alleyway. Bodies, dead bodies of innocent security guards laid scattered on the ground, all soaking in their own blood. Then I saw Rico and Liam standing in Luciano's living room, where Baldy lay on the ground. Luciano had just turned In my direction, where I stood hidden in the closet; and freeze-framed, was Rico, standing over Baldy's body like David and Goliath, from the bible. The memories faded with all three of us at Ryan Costello's party. Federico's voice spoke into our ears and not even a second later, Costello fell over, dead.

Michael didn't have to flat out say Federico helped murder half of my family. He didn't have to say it at all.

Rico is 22.

7 years ago, he was 15.

Coincidence? I think not.

- - - -

Liam wouldn't stop staring at me. I could feel his gaze on my temple every thirty or forty seconds, but I didn't make any attempt to question what his problem was. My elbow rests against the inside of the car door, my head in the palm of my hands. For the first ten minutes of our car ride, I had watched the other cars; now, I was more interested in which rain drop would make it from the top of the window, to the bottom, the fastest.

Luciano and Rico had entered the front door of the house just seconds after Michael and I's long altercation. Neither of them seemed to be suspicious of anything serious that had gone on; Liam had only questioned, "Why are you on the floor?" I shrugged it off by changing topics. But just as quickly as they had come in and Michael had vanished to his secretive layer, Liam had suggested that Rico and I pack a small bag and jump in the car.

So we had.

I wasn't keen on telling Liam just what had gone down between his father and I this morning, nor was I going to inform him that his father had actually left bruises on me. Not even 40 minutes later, I found a growing black and blue bruise on my shoulder, where I had fallen. And although the tailbone area of my back had yet to bruise, it still hurt like hell. I kept my mouth shut, put on a fake smile, and continued on with my day; but that didn't mean Liam wasn't suspicious.

Then came my growing anger and hatred for Rico. Even though I sat in the front passenger seat of a fast moving car, I still manage to cast glares over my shoulder. He sat in the backseat of Liam's range rover, slouched over. Beside him, sat William; who, like Rico, had found himself in the same, comfortable looking position. Both of them, stared intensely at their phones, neither of them uttering a word.

I stayed silent; but just because I hadn't spoke, doesn't mean I didn't want to. I would give anything to chew Federico out right now, this very second; but I couldn't. Not with Liam in the car. I had come to a conclusion that Liam didn't know his own friend, brother figure, had helped kill the love of his life. And considering Liam was the one driving the car and was highly capable of angry outbursts, right now wasn't the best time to break the news to him; so I didn't.

I sat there quiet, calm, cool, and civilized.

"Hey," I knew Liam was speaking to me, when he whispered the greeting-like phrase. I didn't budge; my eyes didn't drift in his direction, nor did my head move. "Hey," He says it a little more sternly this time. Internally, I roll my eyes and glance at him, lazily. His contact-less eyes were already searching mine the moment I turned to him; he was searching for anything - any hint of emotion, possible sadness, anything. "You alright?"

I bit back the typical, 'I'm fine', response and nod. "Peachy,"

"Something tells me you aren't p - "

"Where the hell are we even going?" I cut Liam off perfectly, leaning forward and scrunching up my face. I wipe the windshield with a fist, clearing it. I was surprised just how much of a 180 the weather had turned; this morning was gorgeous, but this early afternoon was gross. Luciano just sighs.

"We need help," He states simply, glancing over at me. "Rico made me quite aware of that this morning; so help, we are going to get." I frown and turn to Liam, eyeing him closely. For a random car ride, he was sure dressed nicely; he had on a navy blue suit and his hair was noticeably combed through and jelled.

"Where does this help live?" I glance out the side window once more, watching all the landmarks we drive by. I tear my eyes away from the side and turn around. For a brief second, there had been a sound of fumbling in the backseat. Federico sits up, dropping his phone into his lap.

"You mean, you haven't introduced her to the f-" His statement was clearly directed towards Luciano; and at it, I turn to Liam, eyebrows raised.

"No," Liam says slowly, "I have not. Now sit back there and shut the fuck up."

Rico rolls his eyes before slouching once more. I watch him for a few moments, none of them aware of my staring. With Liam eyeing the slick road in front of him, navigating between traffic, and William already a bit slower than most people, I went unnoticed. Federico laughs, nudging Will; and before I know it, they're both eyeing Rico's phone.

Liam looks up, watching them both out the rearview mirror, "Porn?"

Both Will and Rico look up just as I turn to Liam. For the first time today, I find myself smiling. William laughs before growing serious, "Ew, Liam, nobody watches porn."

"Okay, relax," Rico turns to William, "You could deny that it was porn, but don't flat out lie and say nobody watches porn; everyone watches porn."

"That is so not true," Liam adds up from the front seat. His eyes dart between the road to the rearview mirror, as he engages in conversation with his friends. I just lean back and listen. "Not everyone watches porn, Rico."

"Fine," Federico nods, his hands up, "Not everyone; but..." He raises an index finger, "Every man has watched porn at least once in his life. It didn't even have to be for a minute, but he has." Liam's bottom lip sticks out, before he begins to nod in agreement. William even adds a, 'yeah', from behind me.

I gawk at Liam. "You watched porn?" It was more of a teasing manner, but I nudge him anyways. He smiles, before his face grows red.

"I was young."

I simply laugh, "Whatever." Twisting in my seat, I let out a deep breath as the car grows quiet. I find a comfortable position, where my shoulder isn't rubbing against anything and my eyes fall closed; but for some odd reason, I can't sleep. I open my eyes a few moments later, only to see why my sleep had not come.

Rico and William were leaning in between the small, confined space between the driver and passenger seat, eyeing me. Luciano had a smirk on his face, as he occasionally glances at me; their stares, causing me to grow increasingly uncomfortable. My face flushes the moment I realize exactly why they are staring.

I groan, "No! You sick, perverted bastards; I have not watched porn."

My groan was drowned away by the cries of laughter Rico and William were causing as they fall backwards into their seats. I could even see Liam smiling from here. The noise in the back, however, doesn't settle down; and it only grows louder as Rico leans forward.

"Why the fuck you lyin?"

Will pops up, "Why you always lyin?"

Rico leans forward, "Mmmmm oh my god--"

The two hold out their hands in Liam's direction, causing him to smirk, "Stop fuckin lyin." The three burst out in fits of uncontrollable laughter, leaving me all alone to bask in my sanity. Once they all re-collect whatever is left of themselves, I scoff.

"Let's play the question game!" William perks up, pitching one of the stupidest, yet worst game ideas every in the history of man. I groan as Liam replies.

"Let's not."

"Aw, LuLu," Rico pouts as he pats Liam on the back. Luciano looks visibly annoyed at the over usage of his hated nickname. He sighs.

"Rico, I swear to God, do not call me that."

"What are you gonna do?" Federico wiggles his eyebrows, "Beat me up? Oh, wait..."

Even though it was clear Liam was annoyed, his lips were tugging in a smile at Rico's slight jab at past events. The car falls silent, but only for a second. William clears his throat.

"Okay, first question. What is the hardest drug you've ever used?"

I could see all three of them thinking. The lengthy silence grew uncomfortable, but Liam sighs. "I'll go first," He says. Luciano glances at me quickly, before sighing once again. "Heroine." My eyebrows immediately furrow and my lips fall in a frown. Liam catches my change in facial expressions, before continuing, "There was really no excuse for me, as to why I used it..." He clarifies, "But It was a one-time thing," we make eye contact, "Never again, I promise."

"Okay," William taps his chin with his finger, "No bullshit, the hardest drug I've ever used was Tylenol and Advil," I let out a laugh and hold up a palm to William; he gives me a high five.

"Hardest drug I've ever used was Midol," I nod. Will and I turn to Rico, who's frowning from his positon in the back. He glances at William, then me, before shrugging.

"Pass," He says.

The car erupts in, "Oh, no you don't's".

Rico just groans before dipping his head, "HeorineCrackMollySpeedAcid." His words ramble out of his mouth at a speed I had never heard before. William shakes his head.

"A little slower Rico."

Federico sighs, "Heroine, Crack, Molly, Speed, and Acid."

It was clear that Federico was most definitely the only one truly hating our question game. He hadn't exactly expressed his opinion on why he didn't want to play it; but it was clear it was making him uncomfortable. William doesn't seem to notice and continues.

"Okay, when did you lose your virginity?"

"Twenty-one," Liam answers truthfully.

"Seventeen," William adds right after him. The two turn to me.

"I haven't yet," I nod, then join them in looking at Rico.

Federico glances up at each and every one of us, before smiling. "Pass."

"Rico..." Liam and William groan at the same time, causing me to laugh. Even though I was currently supposed to hate his guts, Rico was still making me laugh. He had that charisma, that character about him.

"Fine," He sighs and runs a hand down his face, "Fifteen..."

Everyone's mouths drop, including mine. He doesn't even need us to ask him to tell the story. Rico clears his throat.

"I was living in the estate with a bunch of middle aged, horny ass men. My father, Vinny, on certain evenings he would pay hundreds of dollars just to have prostitutes drop by the houses," Federico sighs, "On those nights, I was told to stay in my room and watch T.V.; which, for a fifteen year old, is not very hard to do. Well, least to say, I ran out of Vodka and - "

"Stop," William shakes his head, causing Rico's voice to drown away. "You were fifteen and drinking vodka?" Rico just shrugs.

"I thought every fifteen year old did that. Well, until I realized that wasn't the case," he replies. William makes a motion with his hand, allowing Rico to continue, "Anyways, I went out the room to run down to the nearest kitchen to grab another glass or whatever and this woman was standing outside. She smiled at me, asked my name, and well... I think you all can figure out what happened next."

"That whore," Liam frowns.

"You whore!" I punch Rico playfully in the arm, causing him to wince. I couldn't lie to you and say that I didn't enjoy it. He just laughs, unamusingly, before falling back into his seat, looking high uninterested in the entire question game.

William clears his throat once again, "Alright, next question. This one is a bit different from the others. Faith, I'll ask yours after. But Liam and Rico," He addresses, "Who would you rather sleep with? Taylor Swift or Tori Kelly?"

"Tori," Rico answers almost immediately. His face is scrunched up but he still smiles, yet, he looks confused, as if the answer for every man should've been the same. Liam just nods in agreement.

"No way," William shakes his head, "I got Taylor."

"How?" Rico sits up, angling his body towards his friend, "Taylor is attractive, yeah, but she's like cute - like, holding a puppy cute. Tori is..." Rico rolls his R perfectly as he wiggles his eyebrows in a sensual manner. Luciano and I both burst out into a laugh as Rico leans forward, "But seriously; Taylor is cute, but Tori is like...sit on my face, gorgeous."

"Ew," With an opened palm, I push Rico's head away from my arm. "That's gross," I admit. All the while, I can still feel Liam continuously glancing at me, a smile on his face. The backseat grows silent, but I can still see Will and Rico staring at me, looking bewildered.

"Ew?" They both say at the same time. "Ew?" Rico exclaims. He shoots forward, "Clearly, you've never sat on a man's face before because - "

"Can we not talk about this?" From here, I can see Liam cringing, his face growing ever more red as he eyes his two friends through the mirror. They ignore him completely.

"Look, well, whatever," Rico turns to William, "I would sleep with Tori, end of story. Boom, that rhymed." He falls back into the seat and whips out his phone, the car falling silent once again.

I probably should've left the conversation at that, but I didn't. Not only did Rico need a taste of his own medicine, but his ego needed to be deflated; kind of like what Tom Brady did with the footballs. I clear my throat and turn around.

"And who said Tori Kelly would sleep with you?"

William was the first to respond, just as Rico's attention floated up towards me. "Oh no." His hazel eyes were glimmering with the bright reflection his phone was giving off.

Rico leans forward, his bottom lip pulled gently between his teeth. "Because, I've been told my tongue game is A1."

"Okay, stop," Liam excuses himself in the middle of our conversation, glaring at Rico. "We have a long ride, people; and quite honestly, I don't want to hear about how good Rico is in bed, nor do I want to hear anything about sex, okay? Okay."

"That's because you haven't gotten any in a long time," William adds. Out the corner of my eye, I see Rico give him a nudge, both of them smiling. Luciano just frowns.

But I knew the car ride was going to be long once Liam spoke up again, and Federico answered. "So," Liam exclaims, "How's the weather?"

Both Rico and William glance at each other, before turning to face us and smiling. Rico answers for both of them.

"Wet."

- - - -

It was clear our highly entertaining car ride was coming to an end. The sun was beginning to sink low below the horizon and as quickly as they had come, the beautiful orange, yellow, and red sunset colors had faded, replacing everything around it, in darkness. I had my seat reclined backwards and my foot rest lazily on the dashboard. Two hours ago, Liam would've cared, but not anymore.

Liam was growing tired, that much was obvious. Our speed had diminished and often, I would find him rubbing the side of his face, in hopes of waking himself up. With the backseat echoing nothing but silence, I probably would've been tired too.

We had stopped only once when Rico started exclaiming that he had to pee. During that stop, we had gotten food and used the restrooms, before hitting the highway once again. Not even an hour after that stop, both Rico and William had fallen uncomfortably quiet; it was only then that I realized the two were leaning up against each other, their heads knocking together as they used each other for support. Both of their arms were folded, Rico's head was bowed a bit more.

Luciano must've noticed me stretch once again, because he shifts in his seat and readjusts his hands on the wheel. "We're almost there," He states, "Eh, only about 15 minutes more." I nod, before laying my head back and sighing.

I watch Liam quietly; the way his hand grips his thigh as he switches each hand on and off the wheel. His thumb taps the steering wheel occasionally, and often his left leg bounces - probably to keep it from falling asleep. He runs his hand across his chin, then over his upper lip, his fingertips grazing across his stubble. Then he raises his hand to his ear, where he gently pulls at the area of skin most earrings go into. And finally, he runs his hand back over his face, before raking his fingers through his hair and sighing, tiredly.

"Um - "

"I'm - "

Liam and I both laugh softly, making sure we don't disturb the children in the backseat. He nods in my direction, "Sorry," He apologizes, "You first."

"No," I shake my hand in his direction, "You can go."

"I've just...been thinking about last night - " Last night; Luciano didn't even need to finish his sentence, because I had been thinking about it to. The way his lips moved with mine; the touching, the smiling he would do within the kiss, the everything. It was something I had never experienced before, and as cliché as it may sound, it was magical; just the way they show kissing scenes in movies. " - and, um, I guess I wanted to apologize?" My eyebrows were touching at this point, as I glanced up at Liam with a curious look. "I just... " He sighs again, "Yeah."

"Well," I breathe in, "Okay." I don't think awkwardness was what Liam was attempting to achieve in that moment, but he had. I didn't want to bring the subject up again, at least not now; so I lean towards the window and question about something else. "You still haven't told me where you're taking me."

"I'm taking you to the outskirts of town so I can kill you."

He must've seen my mortified facial expression.

" - just kidding," He adds, with a soft laugh.

I groan, "That's a sick sense of humor; oh god, you've been hanging out with Rico too long." Luciano just chuckles as we turn down a dirt road. Trees line both sides and quite honestly, the road has hardly enough space for two cars, let alone one.

He puts on his left turning signal - amazing car etiquette, Luciano - and we begin our climb up a hill. It wasn't too steep, but I felt myself falling into my seat, and the sound of the poor car's engine straining could be heard. Finally, we level out and the car continues forward, driving much more smoothly now; as if we're on concrete.

I keep my attention focused on outside the window; for the longest time, it's dark. But then, that's when I see it.

The house that we were slowly approaching seemed to loom far in the distance, but the closer we got, the taller and wider it got. Lights that had been delicately placed outside of the house, shown up on it in the dark, illuminating it in the night. It casted off a warm, welcoming glow as we approached. As Liam continued to drive, I was able to see more of the house; like the expensive looking brick it was made out of and the shape of it.

The house was so large in fact, it curved like a half moon. We drove dangerously close to a portion of the house, where a garage-like door sat in place. It reminded me of prison doors; black with steel beams. Liam slows to an almost stop and taps lit up button overhead. Not even a second later, the gate slowly pulls apart and we pull in.

"Holy..." All I could do was exhale as we entered the garage area of the home. We were still outside, exposed to the different variety of weather types; but it was clear, this was a place where you parked and stored cars. Stadium like lights beamed down overhead as Liam killed the engine and unlocked the doors. It was only then that I realized our two sleepy-heads in the backseat had woken up.

It was clear William had been here before. He was lazily unstrapping his seatbelt, eyes still half closed. He throws open the door and stumbles out, before leaning against the car and closing his eyes once again, waiting for instruction. Federico on the other hand, was a little less calm.

"Shit," He, too, had already climbed out the car; but he was much more awake than his buddy. As I scrambled out the car and rounded it, I could see Rico carefully approaching a hoard of sport motorcycles. They were all parked, their kickstands up, and they all leaned in the same direction. A group of five, silky black motorcycles were in the middle; surrounded by a group of shiny yellows ones on the left, white ones on the right, and red ones in the back. It total, there were easily 20 to 30 motorcycles there.

But once I lifted my gaze away from the motorcycles Rico was gawking at, I realized those weren't the only nice rides the owner of the house had. Multiple Lamborghinis sat quietly, parked off towards the side. I saw a popular brand of Ferrari's and Mercedes, even BMW's.

I felt Liam brush against my side as he hands me the small bag that I had packed. He nods towards one of the rides, "That's the 2015 Lamborghini Murcielago," We walk briskly down a row of other cars, "This," He points to an oddly shaped car with a rare logo on the front. "Is the Bugatti Veyron," He smiles softly at me, "One of the fastest cars in the world." I nod, eyeing the car a second longer, before catching up with Liam, my bag in hand.

By the time I reach his side again, he had a phone lodged between his shoulder and cheek and he's talking quickly, all in Italian. William and Rico follow closely from behind as we come to a door outside and stop.

"Whose house is this?" I ask the simple question I've been meaning to ask since we got here. Luciano just smiles.

"Mine."

Liam disappears in the door as I turn around, gaping. "He has another?"

"Faith!" William groans, pushing me out the way and catching the door before it locks, closed. "If Liam opens a door, please, walk through it. None of my fingerprints are entered in the database."

"Database?" I squeak, "Fingerprints? What is this? James Bond - "

William must not be one that likes to be woken up; because he groans, rolls his eyes, and brushes past me inside. Rico just shrugs and holds the door open for me as I waltz in. The corridor we enter was made of concrete; the walls of the same material, and at the end of the short hallway, was another door. Liam stands there, his head bowed.

Federico and I approach quietly. Will falls to the back as I join Liam at his side. He types a code of numbers into a pad in the door and waits.

"Liam Luciano, welcome,"

I jump as the mechanical voice booms through speakers inserted somewhere in the hallway. It sounded much like the IPhone's Siri. Luciano squats just a bit as a light scans a portion of his face. The sound of doors unlocking and latches being un-bolted echo through the hallway and eventually, the door is opened.

Another hallway looms before us, causing me to sigh as continue walking. Liam leads, his arms swinging gingerly at his side. I slow, but not to a complete stop; both Rico and William flank me on either side, serious looks etching their faces. I turn my attention back towards the hallway as we continue to walk; our shoes squeaking and clicking against the hardwood. It was more furnished than the last one; with hardwood and wallpaper decorating the walls on either side of us.

Just as the hallway ended, Luciano turns around, folds his hands in front of him and sighs. "Faith, nearly everything I've told you in the recent weeks have been true; I do owe quite a few houses, many that are vacant - this one, this one isn't." He was clearly addressing me as he spoke, our eyes locking. "Rico," at the mention of his name, Federico squeals softly from behind me, "and even William," at the mention of his name, Will stays silent, "Have informed me that taking out Peter Corinelli will be a much harder, complicated task. So I heeded there advice and brought you here."

I took a step forward, 'What's here?"

I could've sworn I saw a glint of glee in his eye as he whirled on his feet, already smiling. I'm pushed forward, gently, by William and Rico as we follow Liam out into the hall. My mouth hit the floor and my breath was taken away from me.

And I thought the house we had just left from was huge. This home was much more well-furnished, in more of a modern, yet Victorian type of style. It was open, far more open than the two other homes Liam had taken me to. The ceiling seemed to go on forever; literally. Even from where I stood, which seemed to be a section of the family room, I could see the upstairs.

Not only was the house open and huge; but men were everywhere.

And I mean, everywhere.

I didn't stare too hard at their faces; but they all seemed to look relatively similar. They all wore suits; some with jackets, others without. Their hair was dark, curly, and they all had nearly the same complexion; some a shade lighter, others a hint darker. They covered the first floor of the home like grass outside; they were...well...everywhere.

Some of the men leaned on the railing from the second floor, overlooking their buddies down here. A few sat on the marble steps that were smack-dab in the middle of the first floor. In front of me, many of them were huddled around one of the biggest T.V. screens I had ever seen, shouting words in a foreign language. I would hear the occasional 'fuck' and 'shit', that I could recognize. Near the kitchen portion of the home, men sat around a table, thick smoke rising in the air. All of them were unaware of our presence, Liam's presence.

Rico brushes up against my side as Liam steps out into the open, his jaw clenched. "Everybody up." Luciano's voice cuts through the loud chatter like a knife. The video games the men were playing were instantly paused; the men waiting for blunt to be lighted, stopped; and the ones chatting on the steps, fell silent. All eyes fell to Liam and for a second, you could've heard a pin drop.

Then there was rustling. The mass amount of men were all scrambling to their feet not a second later, all of their attention focused on one man in the room. It was quiet for the longest amount of time; but out of the blue, a voice broke through the silence.

"Hey, Papi."

Liam's serious demeanor flashes with weakness as a smile crosses his face. At his reaction, a bunch of men in the room chuckle.

"We missed you, Liam!"

"Yeah, we missed you, Papi Chulo."

Another wave of laughter ripples through the crowd of men. I giggle softly as Liam steps out and turns around; and as if it was rehearsed, the men crowded around Liam as if they were waiting for their picture to be taken.

Luciano outstretches his hand as he smiles in my direction and addresses me.

"Faith, meet the family."

- - - -

A/N: [ edited, someone, anyone, help me ]

Did Rico really help Michael or is Mr. Luciano lying?

Should Faith tell Liam about the altercation with his father?

And how should Faith approach Rico with the news she just learned?